Manchester United welcome Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday. James Cantrill previews the game picking out two best bets.
Football betting tips: Premier League
2pts Manchester United (-1 handicap) to win at evens (Betfair)
0.5pts Fred to score anytime at 7/1 (Unibet)
Manchester United responded to the 7-0 drubbing at Anfield last week in the best way possible, beating Real Betis 4-1 to put one foot in to the Europa League quarter-finals.
It is back to domestic duty on Sunday as Erik ten Hag’s side welcome relegation strugglers Southampton.
The Saints have, though, won two of their last three league games, with a defeat at Leeds sandwiched by victories at Chelsea and at home to Leicester - all by the same 1-0 scoreline.
Beating the Foxes was enough to hoist them off the foot of the table for the first time since Christmas but a win at Old Trafford would be some feat, as reflected by their whopping price of 17/2.
Kick-off time: 14:00 GMT, Sunday
Man Utd 3/10 | Draw 17/4 | Southampton 17/2
United's thumping at Anfield was a freak result caused by a multiple factors, including Liverpool’s front three finding their rhythm as Jurgen Klopp tweaked his system to expose United’s man-to-man approach.
It is fair to say Southampton will not be able to pose the same sort of threat, which is why backing MANCHESTER UNITED -1 HANDICAP appeals.
The Red Devils have played 25 games at Old Trafford in all competitions this season, dropping points in just four games and winning by two or more goals 60% of the time.
Saints, meanwhile, have lost two thirds of their away matches, with this bet clicking in trips to Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brentford.
At 7/1, FRED’s price to SCORE ANYTIME also looks worth a small-stakes punt.
The Brazilian is thriving alongside compatriot Casemiro, chipping in with some offensive output.
He is averaging 1.1 shots per 90 this term and has provided three assists and six goals in all competitions.
Over the past two top-flight seasons he boasts a goals per 90 average of 0.19, making Unibet’s price value, even without factoring in the opposition - four of Fred's six goals this term have come against bottom-half Premier League, or lower league teams.
Manchester United v Southampton best bets and score prediction
- 2pts Manchester United (-1 handicap) to win at evens (Betfair)
- 0.5pts Fred to score anytime at 7/1 (Unibet)
Score prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Southampton (Sky Bet odds: 15/2)
Odds correct at 1400 GMT (10/03/23)
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